A little background first. I am very happy with my current career and future with this company. In fact I just got my yearly review. I have a bright future with a very stable company. Out of the blue an ex-coworker of mine calls me. His brother is a president of a company in my field and is expanding.

After a short conversation he tells me why he is calling me. I was honest with him and said I am very happy where I am at and I am not looking. Then he says," I need a number that will make you leave where you are".

Of course I laugh but he is serious and he wants a number tomorrow.

First of all, do I even bother giving him a number? I know money is not everything but it sure makes life a little easier.

Second, if I do give him a number, what % increase would you need to move on to a better job but maybe not as stable. My current company never laid anyone off this last downturn. That is a VERY big deal.

I know there are other factors like locations, future growth, ect. All those are pretty much the same.